Senator Blumenthal Warns WNBA on Connecticut Sun Sale Interference

U.S. Senator Richard Blumenthal has warned the WNBA to refrain from interfering in the sale negotiations of the Connecticut Sun, a franchise owned by the Mohegan Tribe since 2003. The tribe has received two $325 million offers: one to relocate the team to Boston and another to keep it in Connecticut, but the WNBA has rejected both, insisting on prioritizing cities with prior expansion experience and offering to buy the team for $250 million to relocate it to a preferred market. Blumenthal cautioned that the league's attempts to block deals that keep the team in Connecticut could violate federal antitrust laws, emphasizing his position on the Senate Judiciary Committee and his readiness to demand investigations if the WNBA hinders Connecticut's negotiations. Local officials and other Connecticut lawmakers support keeping the team in the state, highlighting the franchise's cultural importance and growing fan base. Recent talks involve the state potentially acquiring a minority stake and investing in a new practice facility to maintain the team's presence in Connecticut. The WNBA has not publicly responded to these allegations or warnings.